Greek Citizenship: A Complete Guide to Obtaining It in 2026

Greek citizenship is an official legal status that confirms a person's membership in the Hellenic Republic. Obtaining a Greek passport opens up significant opportunities not only within the country itself but throughout the entire European Union, as Greece has been a full member since 1981.

Benefits of Greek Citizenship

Obtaining a Greek passport provides the holder with a number of substantial advantages:

• The right to permanent residence in any country of the European Union without additional permits
• The ability to work in EU countries without obtaining a work visa
• Visa-free entry to more than 180 countries worldwide
• Access to European education and healthcare systems
• The right to conduct business in EU countries on equal terms with local entrepreneurs
• The ability to participate in the country's political life

Citizenship Acquisition Statistics

According to data from Greece's Ministry of Interior, in recent years there has been steady growth in the number of applicants for Greek citizenship. In 2023, more than 20,000 people obtained citizenship status, which is 15% higher than the previous year's figures. Particularly notable is the increase in applications through the naturalization program and by descent.

Average processing times for applications are:

• Naturalization program: 12–18 months
• With Greek ancestry: 6–12 months
• Repatriation program: 4–8 months

Legal Framework

The process of obtaining Greek citizenship is governed by Greece's Citizenship Code and a number of international agreements. The main law provides for several paths to obtaining citizenship, each with its own characteristics and requirements. It is important to note that Greek legislation recognizes the principle of dual citizenship, which allows you to retain your previous citizenship while obtaining a Greek passport.

Important: Information about procedures and requirements is current as of 2026. Conditions for obtaining citizenship may change in accordance with changes in Greek legislation and international agreements.

Main Ways to Obtain Greek Citizenship

Naturalization

Naturalization is one of the main paths to obtaining Greek citizenship. To complete it, you must:

• Have legally resided in Greece for at least 7 consecutive years
• Speak Greek at a sufficient level (B1)
• Have stable income and medical insurance
• Demonstrate integration into Greek society
• Pass an examination on knowledge of Greek history and culture

Citizenship by Descent

This method is available for persons with Greek ancestry. Main requirements:

• Documentary proof of Greek descent (up to the third generation)
• Birth certificates of ancestors
• Documents confirming family relationships

The process of obtaining citizenship by descent typically takes from 6 to 12 months.

Repatriation

The repatriation program is intended for ethnic Greeks wishing to return to their historical homeland. Features of the process:

• Simplified document filing procedure
• Shortened application review periods
• State support in the integration process
• The ability to receive social assistance

Investment: The Golden Visa and the Path to Citizenship

It is important to understand: Greece does not provide citizenship in exchange for investments — there is no citizenship by investment (CBI) program in the country. Investments open up a residence permit under the Golden Visa program, and resident status already gives the right to eventually apply for citizenship through naturalization.

The minimum investment threshold in real estate as of 2024 depends on the region:

• €800,000 — in Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki, on the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, as well as on other islands with a population of over 3,100 people
• €400,000 — in other regions of Greece
• €250,000 — for properties converted from commercial to residential and for restoration of listed buildings (available throughout the country)

There is also an option for investments from €250,000 in startup capital. The Golden Visa provides only a residence permit: to obtain a passport, you must reside in Greece for at least 7 years, actually being in the country at least 183 days per year, and pass exams on the language, history, and culture.

Marriage to a Greek Citizen

To obtain citizenship through marriage, you must:

• Be in an official marriage for at least 3 years
• Reside permanently in Greece
• Have a common child (marriage period is reduced to 1 year)
• Speak Greek at a basic level

Comparison of Ways to Obtain Citizenship

Method	Processing time	Process complexity	Financial costs
Naturalization	7+ years	High	Moderate
Descent	6–12 months	Moderate	Low
Repatriation	4–8 months	Low	Low
Golden Visa → Naturalization	7+ years	Moderate	High
Marriage	3+ years	Moderate	Moderate

Important: Regardless of the chosen method, all candidates must have a clean criminal record and provide documents confirming the legality of income sources.

Citizenship by Descent

Who Is Eligible

Greek legislation grants the right to obtain citizenship to persons with Greek ancestry. Those who can apply for citizenship are:

• Direct descendants of Greek citizens up to the third generation
• Persons whose ancestors lived on the territory of modern Greece
• Ethnic Greeks from historical Greek regions
• Children, at least one of whose parents has Greek citizenship

Required Documents

The basic document package includes:

• An application for Greek citizenship
• The applicant's birth certificate (with apostille)
• Birth certificates of parents and Greek ancestors
• Documents confirming Greek descent:
  • Archive references
  • Church records
  • Ancestors' old passports
  • Documents proving residence in Greece
• The applicant's passport
• A certificate of no criminal record
• Documents about marital status

Application Procedure

The citizenship acquisition process includes the following stages:

1. Document collection and preparation
   • Obtaining archive references
   • Translation of documents into Greek
   • Legalization of documents
2. Submission of an application to the Greek consulate or local authorities
3. Document verification by competent authorities
4. Application review by a special commission
5. Receiving a decision on granting citizenship
6. Taking an oath
7. Receiving a Greek passport

Processing Times

Standard processing times for an application for citizenship by descent:

• Preliminary document review: 1–2 months
• Application review: 4–8 months
• Final decision: 1–2 months
• Passport issuance: up to 1 month

The total procedure time typically ranges from 6 to 12 months.

Process Features

Key points to consider:

• All documents must be translated into Greek by an official translator
• You must provide original or notarized copies of all documents
• Documents issued outside Greece must have an apostille
• A genealogical examination may be required
• If some documents are missing, alternative proof of descent may be accepted

Helpful Tips

• Start collecting documents in advance, especially archive references
• Contact a professional translator with experience working with Greek documents
• Keep copies of all submitted documents
• Stay in touch with the consulate to track your application status

Warning: Providing false information or submitting forged documents will result in denial of citizenship and criminal liability.

The Repatriation Process in Greece

Defining Repatriation

Repatriation to Greece is the process of returning ethnic Greeks to their historical homeland. This is a special state program that provides a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship for persons of Greek descent and their families.

The repatriation program includes not only citizenship procedures but also a set of measures to support resettlers, including:

• Social adaptation
• Language training
• Employment assistance
• Housing support

Requirements for Candidates

Main requirements for participating in the repatriation program:

• Documentary proof of Greek ancestry
• No criminal record
• Basic knowledge of Greek (preferred)
• Availability of funds for initial resettlement

Additional advantages when reviewing an application:

• Having relatives in Greece
• Professional qualifications
• Knowledge of Greek traditions and culture
• Ownership of real estate in Greece

Required Documents

The basic document package includes:

• An application for repatriation
• Documents confirming Greek ancestry:
  • Birth certificates of ancestors
  • Archive references
  • Baptism documents
  • Ancestors' old Greek passports
• A passport
• A certificate of no criminal record
• Medical certificates
• Educational documents
• Proof of financial stability

Process Stages

1. Preliminary consultation at a Greek consulate
   • Assessment of repatriation prospects
   • Receipt of a list of required documents
2. Document collection and preparation
   • Obtaining archive references
   • Translation of documents into Greek
   • Legalization of documents
3. Submission of a repatriation application
4. Application review by competent authorities
5. Obtaining a repatriation certificate
6. Moving to Greece
7. Obtaining a residence permit
8. Obtaining citizenship

State Support for Repatriates

The Greek state provides repatriates with the following types of support:

• Free Greek language courses
• Employment assistance
• Education support
• Initial social assistance
• Medical insurance
• Legal consultations

Repatriation Process Timeline

• Document collection: 2–3 months
• Application review: 3–6 months
• Obtaining repatriation certificate: 1–2 months
• Residence permit issuance: 1 month
• Obtaining citizenship: after 1 year of residence

Important: The repatriation program allows the entire family to relocate, including spouses and minor children, even if they do not have Greek ancestry.

Special Considerations for Foreign Buyers

Current Requirements

For foreign buyers, the process of obtaining Greek citizenship has the following characteristics:

• All documents must be translated into Greek with notarial certification
• An apostille must be obtained on foreign documents
• Confirmation of the legality of income sources is required
• Personal presence is mandatory when submitting documents

Specific Documents

The additional document package for foreign buyers includes:

• A certificate of no criminal record from home country authorities
• A certified copy of a foreign passport
• Educational documents with an apostille
• A family composition certificate
• Documents confirming residence in your home country

Document preparation features:

• All translations must be performed by certified translators
• A certificate of no criminal record is valid for 3 months
• You must provide both originals and copies of all documents
• Documents must be apostilled according to established procedures

Process Features

Main stages of processing for foreign buyers:

1. Preliminary consultation at a Greek consulate
2. Document collection and preparation in your home country
3. Document legalization:
   • Obtaining an apostille
   • Notarial certification of translations
   • Document copy certification
4. Submission of documents to the consulate or migration service
5. Application review wait
6. Receiving a decision

Processing Times

Standard processing times for foreign buyers:

• Document preparation: 2–3 months
• Application review: 6–12 months
• Document verification: 1–2 months
• Decision-making: 2–3 months

Factors affecting processing times:

• The completeness of the provided document package
• The citizenship acquisition method
• The workload of migration authorities
• The seasonality of application submissions

Practical Recommendations

Tips for successful processing:

• Start collecting documents well in advance
• Check the current requirements with the consulate
• Make copies of all documents before submission
• Use services of trusted translators
• Monitor document validity periods

Financial Costs

Estimated expenses for citizenship processing:

• Government fee: €700
• Document translation: €150–300
• Apostille: €50–100 per document
• Notarial services: €100–200
• Additional expenses: €200–500

Important: It is recommended to verify the current information with the Greek consulate, as requirements and procedures may change.

Dual Citizenship

Legislation on Dual Citizenship

Features of dual citizenship legislative regulation:

• Greece allows dual citizenship without restrictions
• Other countries recognize second citizenship but may require notification
• There is no need to renounce your previous citizenship when obtaining Greek citizenship
• International agreements between countries support the rights of citizens of both states

Special Considerations for Foreign Citizens

Mandatory procedures:

• Notify competent authorities of obtaining Greek citizenship within 60 days
• Submit notification to the territorial authority in your home country
• Provide documents confirming Greek citizenship acquisition
• Comply with military service requirements of both states

When submitting notification, the following is required:

• A completed notification form
• A copy of your previous passport
• A copy of your Greek passport
• A notarized translation of Greek documents

Rights and Obligations

Rights of dual citizens:

• Residence in either country without restrictions
• Work without additional permits in both countries
• Receipt of social guarantees in both states
• Conduct business in both countries
• Visa-free movement throughout the EU

Obligations:

• Compliance with the laws of both countries
• Paying taxes under international agreements
• Military service according to established rules
• Timely renewal of documents from both states

Practical Aspects

Document use:

• When entering one country, use the passport from that country
• When entering Greece and the EU — use your Greek passport
• When traveling to third countries, you may use either passport

Taxation:

• Income is taxed in the country where it is earned
• Double taxation avoidance agreements apply
• Tax returns must be filed in both countries

Benefits of Dual Citizenship

• Freedom of movement throughout the EU and other countries
• Expanded employment opportunities
• Access to education systems of both countries
• Healthcare rights in both states
• Participation in political life of both countries

Important Notes

• Timely passport renewal is necessary for both documents
• Military service requirements differ between countries
• Important to meet notification deadlines
• Legal consultation on complex matters is recommended

Practical Aspects

Procedure Cost

Mandatory expenses:

• Government fee: €700
• Document processing: €100–200
• Notarization: €150–300
• Document translation: €200–400
• Apostille: €50–100 per document

Additional expenses:

• Legal representation: from €1,000
• Archive reference retrieval: €100–300
• Genealogical examination: €500–1,000
• Travel expenses: €200–500

Processing Timeline

Standard timeline by stage:

• Document collection: 1–3 months
  • Reference retrieval: 2–4 weeks
  • Translation and certification: 1–2 weeks
  • Document legalization: 2–3 weeks
• Application submission and registration: 1–2 weeks
• Application review: 6–12 months
• Decision-making: 2–3 months
• Passport processing: 1 month

Common Challenges

Main problems and solutions:

• Missing required documents
  • Apply to archives
  • Search for alternative evidence
  • Use witness testimony
• Document errors
  • Thorough verification of all information
  • Prompt correction of errors
  • Obtain corrective documents
• Long processing times
  • Regular status tracking
  • Timely inquiries about progress
  • Prepare additional documents

Document Preparation Tips

Basic recommendations:

• Document organization
  • Create an inventory of all documents
  • Keep copies of all submitted papers
  • Organize by dates and types
• Translation quality
  • Use certified translators
  • Verify translation accuracy
  • Check personal data matches
• Document validity periods
  • Monitor issuance dates
  • Timely update of documents
  • Track apostille validity period

Useful Contacts

Important organizations:

• Greek consulates
• Greek migration services
• Translation and legalization centers
• Legal consultations

Action Checklist

• Check compliance with requirements
• Prepare financial resources
• Collect necessary documents
• Arrange translations
• Legalize documents
• Submit application
• Monitor the process

Important: It is recommended to start the citizenship acquisition process with a consultation at a consulate or with a specialized lawyer to obtain current information and assess the prospects.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Obtaining Greek citizenship is a complex process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Key aspects to consider:

• Choosing the optimal way to obtain citizenship depends on your individual situation:
  • Having Greek ancestry greatly simplifies the process
  • Repatriation provides additional benefits
  • Naturalization requires prolonged residence in the country
• The success of the process depends on proper document preparation and compliance with all requirements.
• The timeline for obtaining citizenship varies depending on the path chosen.

Useful resources

Official sources of information:

• Greek Ministry of Interior
  • Current requirements
  • Document forms
  • Legislative acts
• Greek consulates in Russia
  • Consultations
  • Document submission
  • Latest news
• Greek immigration service
  • Processing procedures
  • Application status
  • Additional information

Contacts of competent authorities

Main institutions:

• Embassy of Greece in Moscow
  • Consular department
  • Citizenship department
  • Information service
• General consulates in regions of Russia
• Greek Ministry of Interior
• Immigration centers in major Greek cities

Recommendations for next steps

Step-by-step action plan:

1. Assess your eligibility for citizenship
   • Analyze your personal situation
   • Choose the optimal path
   • Consult with specialists
2. Prepare for the process
   • Gather information
   • Plan your budget
   • Organize timelines
3. Start the procedure
   • Contact the consulate
   • Prepare documents
   • Submit your application

Information updates

Information is current as of 2026. It is recommended to regularly check:

• Changes in legislation
• New document requirements
• Current processing timeframes
• Government fee amounts

Remember: Obtaining Greek citizenship is a significant step that requires careful preparation and planning. It is recommended to consult with professionals at each stage of the process to achieve the best result.